Kofi Ansah

Kofi Ansah (1951-3 May 2014) was an award-winning Ghanaian fashion designer, who was a pioneer in promoting modern African styles and design on the international stage.[1] He was the father of actor Joey Ansah.

Life and career

Ansah was born in 1951 into an artistic family and his interest in art and design was encouraged by his father, a photographer and classical musician.[2] Ansah studied at Chelsea School of Art, graduating in 1979 with a first-class honours degree in fashion design and distinction in design technology.[2] He initially made his name working on the UK fashion scene - he had first made early headlines on his graduation when he made a beaded top for Princess Anne - he then in 1992 returned to Ghana,[2] where he set up and ran the successful design and creative concept company Artdress.[3] He was the founder and past president of the Federation of African Designers.[4][5] Characteristic of his style was the use of quilting, embroidery and appliqué.[6]

He died at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital,[3] aged 62, on 3 May 2014. His funeral was held in the forecourt of State House in Accra.

Recognition and honours

Ansah won the prestigious Ghana Quality Awards Diamond Division October 2003, for clothing and textile with Artdress Ltd and his company was the winner of the Millennium 2000 African Fashion Awards. He also designed the anniversary fabric for the Ghana@50 Golden Jubilee Celebration. He designed the costumes for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 African Cup of Nations staged in Ghana.[2][5]

References

  1. ↑ "Ghanaian Designer Kofi Ansah Passes On", Okayafrica
  2. 1 2 3 4 Elizabeth Ohene, "Kofi Ansah: Ghana mourns fashion guru", BBC News Africa, 30 May 2014.
  3. 1 2 "Burial Service For Renowned Ghanaian Fashion Designer Kofi Ansah Held in Accra", Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, 30 May 2014.
  4. ↑ "Top Fashion Designers Putting Africa On Global Fashion Map", Ventures, 2 June 2012.
  5. 1 2 "Funeral held for designer Kofi Ansah; body to be cremated", Joy Online, 30 May 2014.
  6. ↑ Belinda Otas, "Africa's Top Ten Male Fashion Designers", New African Woman, Issue 11, Autumn 2011.
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